Project 001.5 (completed)
Supporting the establishment of an agricultural based social enterprise in Weranketagoda
What did my donation go towards?
001 supported the establishment of a grain and spice mill in the rural village of Weranketagoda, Ampara province. The mill has been established and is operated as a social enterprise by Prabhavi Resources Centre. The mill provides employment for a small number of local people and training was provided for mill staff through the Post Harvest Technical Training Institute in Anuradhapura.
Importantly, the enterprise provides a commercial mill for finger millet, a common locally grown crop. Priori to the establishment of the mill there was no commercial finger millet mills in the area meaning that farmers had to sell their millet for very low prices to middlemen from the city.
The mill provides an opportunity for farmers to add value to their grains enabling them to gain a higher price for their produce. As well as supporting local farming households, the mill provides an additional source of income for Prabhavi, enabling it to continue its community development projects.
Who did 001 partner with?
001 worked with Prabhavi Resources Centre, a Sri Lanka non-government organisation based inWeranketagoda.
Prabhavi has been operating since 2003 when it re-developed a disused government building for use as a community library and computer-learning centre. As well as supporting local youth in English language and computer literacy, Prabhavi facilitates innovative agricultural, conservation and community health projects.
Who implemented the project?
Mr Ranjith Gunarathne, Prabhavi Program Coordinator was responsible for liaising with 001 and coordinating development of the project. Ranjith began by managing a team of researchers in the conduct of a market research analysis of the mill enterprise. Now that the small building has been constructed and the mill has been purchased, the project is operated by Prabhavi staff and volunteers.
What was 001’s financial support?
001 provided AU$4,300 to Prabhavi to support establishment of the grain and spice mill.
Who evaluated the project?
Prabhavi has provided an interim project report that acquits moneys spent and outlines the progress of the social enterprise.
The report outlines how Prabhavi staff conducted field research in communities surrounding Werankatagoda, to identify the views and requirements of local farmers. The report details the completed construction and electrical works at the mill building, and includes photos of Prabhavi staff washing, milling and packing finger millet, the first trial crop for the mill.